Celebrating The Best New York Has To Offer

As we enter the final weeks of summer, before kids go back to school, I hope you and your family will make a plan to visit The Great New York State Fair. Known as one of the oldest and longest running fairs in the United States, the Fair draws people from all over the country and generates millions of dollars for the local economy.The annual tradition opens next week, running from August 25 to September 5 in Syracuse. People from all over the state showcase their finest agriculture, livestock, crafts, food, wine and entertainment for nearly a million visitors each summer. It’s an event the whole family can enjoy.

THE BEST IN NEW YORK AGRICULTUREAgriculture has been at the core of the Fair since it was created and remains a place for farmers to come together for friendly competitions and to show off their livestock, produce, antique farm equipment, and homemade goods. Each year, nearly 40,000 entries are received for livestock-related competitions featuring 11,000 farm animals from cows to llamas to rabbits.

The Taste NY Wine, Beer & Spirits Village at the Colonnades will be filled with New York State’s best wines, craft brews and spirits. Inside the Horticulture Building, the Taste NYexhibit will offer free samples of food and beverages and seminars to meet the people who make the products.NEW RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS Each year the Fair gets bigger and better, and 2016 is no exception. The newly expanded Wade Shows Midway will offer seven new rides this year, including the Street Fighter 360, the Wiggle Wurm and The Stampede.Two new exhibits will be sure to keep kids entertained. Located near the Horticulture Building, the “Ensuring the Future of Wildcats” exhibit, a traveling show that has been seen on National Geographic, Conan O’Brien, The Today Show, and Rachel Ray, will feature endangered lynxes.

In the Toyota Coliseum, the “Stingray Encounter” will allow fairgoers to view and safely touch swimming stingrays, watch videos and learn about the stingrays in the only traveling, self-contained exhibit in the world.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Over the years, the Chevy Court has become one of the biggest attractions at the Fair. This year, free live performances by artists Kesha, Chicago, and Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys are scheduled.The Fair is a family friendly event where you can sample products from all over the state, play games, catch a live concert and even see exotic animals. Visiting the Fair is a great way to support local, in-state businesses and the economy that make our state what it is.What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us, find me by searching for Assemblyman Brian Kolb on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.